Unlearning Learned Helplessness

Posted 7/1/14 by Dr. Elin Ritchie MD

Unlearning Learned Helplessness

Two days ago I received a book in the mail that has my fingers flying.

“The Complete Book of Fingermath” by Lieberthal is inspiring to say the least.  Without planning on it, I am engrossed in learning this new system and I just can’t tear myself away.  Right from the introduction, I am gripped:

“Live is full of surprises.” Writes Lieberthal, “No sooner do you get used to the way society expects you to act, setting out ground rules for what is and what is not acceptable behavior, and no sooner do you pass these hard-won virtues on to your loved ones, than something comes along to turn your whole universe upside down.”

I can’t agree more and this applies to many other subjects besides math.

Fingermath is known for increasing calculation speed in adults and children to the point that someone practicing this way will beat a calculator in accuracy and speed. 

Besides accuracy and speed improvements, my two- day experience of this book has decreased my hesitancy around math calculations. 

You wouldn’t believe me if I told you how I’ve been filled with delight at doing this too.  I muse that it may have to do with a delight of using my fingers.  Or it may be an inherent delight of numbers and their simplicity and symmetry that grabs me.  In any case I am buzzing.  (As you can tell by my gushing!)

Counting on our fingers is so natural and so universally discouraged in the Western world that the contrast sticks out as a clear conflict of values.

I am now doing double-digit subtraction with ease and fluency, even when I’m subtracting a larger number in the “ones column” from a smaller number.  I am grateful even at my age to be learning this simple effective system.

What does this have to do with weight loss, you may ask.

I can’t help noticing I have had a huge amount of learned helplessness in Math that can be so easily and simply overcome. 

It’s the same with weight loss.  Weight loss isn’t a huge area of unknowns where we have to switch from diet to diet forgetting what we learned before. 

Simply remember what weight loss behaviors have worked for you before (count on your fingers just because it’s fun).  Do what makes sense to you.  Do what feels right and what sounds good to you and what looks like a great approach.  Follow your inner guide. 

This is much more powerful than what anyone else can tell you to do, no matter their credentials or their personal experience. 

Pick up a few hints from whatever the next program is that you review and run with it.

Give up the learned helplessness that would have us all 100lbs overweight.

Get inspired and move with it.

Love and Gratitude,

Dr. Elin Ritchie MD